Mobile outside surface pipe cleaner

Abstract

An abrasive cleaning machine specifically constructed for cleaning pipes. The machine is mounted on an elevated portion of a previously buried pipe and is moved along the pipe to effect cleaning of the pipe. The machine basically includes a simple housing which carries a plurality of blast wheels specifically positioned to provide a frustoconical curtain of abrasive particles through which the pipe being cleaned passes. Suitable wear plates are provided to prevent undue wear on adjacent parts of the cleaning machine. Spent abrasive particles and removed material are collected at the bottom of the cleaning machine in a collection trough through which there runs a lower run of an endless belt. The belt is of a wire mesh construction so that abrasive particles and removed material freely passes through the belt. The belt carries buckets which are so configurated that when the buckets reach a top horizontal run of the belt, the collected materials within the bucket are discharged from the bucket through the belt. The buckets are mounted on the belt in a manner whereby the belt is free to flex or bend around support rollers. The abrasive particles and removed material are emptied into a bin from which they are discharged in a curtain and through which air flows so as to separate the foreign matter from the abrasive particles. The abrasive particles then fall into hoppers from which the abrasive particles are delivered to the individual blast wheels.